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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I'm stuck between 3 and 4 stars on this one. The title story was interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat, but it's one of those infuriating stories where justice is nearly reached before being snatched away until the end when . Maybe some people like that, but it's not my cup of tea. The second story was more interesting and just as strange for me. Ultimately, I'm giving it 4 stars because the author was seventeen years old when he wrote at least the first tale, making it all the more impressive.
Spoiler
JUSTICE IS NEVER REACHED
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Arrived here following a friend’s recommendation and was completely knocked out by this short collection. ‘Summer, Fireworks, and My Corpse’ is narrated by the dead body that two kids are trying to dispose of. It’s a fascinating story with a totally surprising end that really caught me out. Yuko, the second story is less interesting, but the final longer story, Black Fairy Tale, ramps up the creepiness to new levels. Great read!
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
The title story is almost a comedy, it's just about murder. "Yuko," a short, seems very Victorian in how the story unfolds and twists - a really fascinating mix of style and setting.
And then there's "Black Fairy Tale," which is HELL.
It's well-executed, with an arresting narrator and a clever structure of interleaved tales (one actual fairy tale, one body-horror gore fest) in addition to the narrator's quest. It resolves as best as it possibly can. But holy crap the imagery. I don't deal well with medical imagery or body horror, and this has both in profusion.
Don't get me wrong - I really liked the story and its essential theme of how memories define a person. It's just my particular blend of high-octane nightmare fuel.
In all, the collection shows a very interesting range of styles and perspectives, and the next time I'm feeling like not sleeping for a week I'll pick up ZOO or another of Otsuichi's works. Just. Not now.
And then there's "Black Fairy Tale," which is HELL.
It's well-executed, with an arresting narrator and a clever structure of interleaved tales (one actual fairy tale, one body-horror gore fest) in addition to the narrator's quest. It resolves as best as it possibly can. But holy crap the imagery. I don't deal well with medical imagery or body horror, and this has both in profusion.
Don't get me wrong - I really liked the story and its essential theme of how memories define a person. It's just my particular blend of high-octane nightmare fuel.
In all, the collection shows a very interesting range of styles and perspectives, and the next time I'm feeling like not sleeping for a week I'll pick up ZOO or another of Otsuichi's works. Just. Not now.